New parks and recreation boss to appear at public reception

CARLSBAD  John W. Coates, the city’s new director of parks and recreation, will be the featured guest at a public reception Wednesday. It is scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave.

As Carlsbad’s parks and recreation director, Coates will oversee numerous programs and services. The city department manages Monroe Street Pool, the senior center, three community centers, a skate park, athletic fields, tennis courts and other recreational facilities. It also maintains 348 acres of city parks, civic landscapes and open space, including the city’s trail system.

The department offers numerous programs for teenagers, adult and youth sports, youth day camps, classes for seniors and other activities.

Coates has more than 30 years’ experience in the field. Most recently, he was the director of community services for Santee.

For more about Carlsbad’s Parks and Recreation Department, go to www.carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec.